University-based interdisciplinary training in child abuse and neglect

Area of Science:

• Child Abuse and Neglect Research
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Graduate Medical Education

Background:

• The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN) funded 10 university-based interdisciplinary training programs in 1987.
• Child maltreatment requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective prevention and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of existing interdisciplinary child maltreatment training programs.
• To describe the structure, student body, and academic demands of these programs.
• To present a replicable model for graduate training in child abuse and neglect.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive overview of 10 funded training programs.
• Detailed examination of one medical school-based program.
• Analysis of organizational structure, student composition, and academic requirements.
• Inclusion of clinical and didactic curriculum components.

Main Results:

• The article outlines the key features of 10 distinct interdisciplinary training initiatives.
• A specific medical school program is detailed as a template for replication.
• Curricular elements, including clinical and didactic training, are specified.

Conclusions:

• Interdisciplinary graduate training programs are crucial for addressing child maltreatment.
• The described medical school program serves as a viable model for replication.
• Recommendations are provided for establishing similar programs to enhance expertise in child abuse and neglect.